System and method for social network chat via a set-top box

ABSTRACT

A system and method for chatting between a set-top box and one or more social networks. One or more social networks is associated with a set-top box. User preferences are set for communications with one or more contacts included in the one or more social networks. A chat interface is displayed to a user on a display associated with the set-top box in response to the user preferences and activity trigger determined in response to activity detected by the set-top box. Communications occurs with the one or more contacts using the chat interface.

BACKGROUND

The use of and development of communications has grown nearlyexponentially in recent years. The growth is fueled by larger networkswith more reliable protocols and better communications hardwareavailable to both service providers and consumers. In many cases, socialnetworking websites that encourage individual and group communicationsand share user posted content are being utilized by increasing numbersof users.

Many communications and entertainment systems are growing together aspeople expect services that are more intuitive and integrated with theirday-to-day life. Some media and communications systems, devices,features, and services have not kept pace as well with the growthexperienced by sections of the communications industry.

SUMMARY

One embodiment provides a system and method for chatting between aset-top box and one or more social networks. One or more social networksis associated with a set-top box. User preferences are set forcommunications with one or more contacts included in the one or moresocial networks. A chat interface is displayed to a user on a displayassociated with the set-top box in response to the user preferences.Communications occurs with the one or more contacts using the chatinterface.

Another embodiment provides a set-top box for chatting through a socialnetwork. The set-top box may include a network interface enabling a userto communicate with one or more contacts through one or more socialnetworks through a communications connection. The set-top box mayfurther include a chat engine in communication with the networkinterface. The chat engine may be operable to manage communications withthe one or more contacts based on user preferences. The chat engine maybe operable to display a chat interface to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications environment inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a set-top box in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for displaying a chat interface inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for implementing chats between aset-top box and one or more social networks in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a chat interface in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of a user interface for settinguser preferences in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide a system,method, and interface for implementing communications through one ormore social networks utilizing a set-top box. The chat interface may bedisplayed to a user automatically or based on pre-set user preferences.For example, the chat interface may be activated based on specifiedtypes of activity specified by the user preferences.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications environment inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 1 shows one possibleconfiguration of a communications environment 100. The communicationsenvironment 100 is any number or combination of communications and mediasystems, equipment, devices, users, providers, networks and otherelements that may view, monitor, or integrate communications of aset-top box device or system with one or more networks including socialnetworks. The communications environment 100 may include any number ofelements including, but not limited to a communications network 102, asocial network 104, a communications management system 106, a client108, a laptop 110, wireless devices 112 and 114, set-top boxes 116, 118,and 120, a display interface 122, display 124, and an indicator 126.

Communications within the communications environment 100 may occur onany number of networks which may include wireless networks, data orpacket networks, cable networks, satellite networks, private networks,and publicly switched telephone networks (PSTN). The communicationsnetwork 102 represents the different types of communication networktypes and configurations. In particular, the communications network 102may be utilized to communicate with the social network 104 directly orthrough a data connection to one or more parts of the Internet. Thefeatures of the embodiments may be implemented by one or more elementsof the communications environment 100 independently or as a networkedimplementation.

The communications environment 100 may further include any number ofhardware and software elements that may not be shown in the example ofFIG. 1. For example, the communications environment 100 may includeexchanges, switches, antennas, towers, switching centers, routers,application servers, media servers, service brokers, call agents, edgerouters, gateways (signaling, trunking, access, sub, etc.), IP networkservice providers, adapters, exchanges, switches, users, and networks.

In one embodiment, the communications networks, service providers, andsocial networks of FIG. 1 may represent distinct or separate entitiesthat provide or perform any number of connections or services for usersthat are integrated or communicate with each. For example, thecommunications network 102 may be a nationwide communications serviceprovider providing analog, digital, voice over internet protocol (VoIP),wireless data and other communications services and features to millionsof users. In another example, the communications network 102 mayrepresent a regional provider that represents a much smaller region butsimilarly provides services to users that communicate with thecommunications network 102.

The communications management system 106 is one or more devices utilizedto enable, initiate, route, and manage media, voice, and datacommunications between one or more communications devices. Thecommunications management system 106 may include one or more devicesnetworked to manage the communications network 102. For example, thecommunications management system 106 may include any number of servers,routers, switches, or advanced intelligent network devices. Thecommunications management system 106 may perform a portion of thefeatures and methods herein described. The communications network 102sends and receives the electronic signals through any number oftransmission mediums. The communications network 102 may include variousfiber optics, cables, transceivers, interfaces, transmission towers,antennas, or other elements for transmitting communications to theconnected communications devices.

The set-top box 120 is a conversion device operable to format mediacontent for display by one or more televisions or other similardisplays. In particular the set-top box 120 may be a device configuredto decode a satellite, cable, fiber optic, Internet protocol, or othersignal, convert and format the signal for display by the display 124,and then communicate the reformatted signal to the display 124 fordisplay to the user. The set-top box 120 may include a digital videorecorder (DVR) or personal video recorder (PVR) operable to store mediacontent, applications, past communications, files, data, information,text and other data elements for display as selected by the user.

In one embodiment, viewing selections, historical preferences, a status,or other information, data, or files may be uploaded to a socialnetworking site from the set-top box 120 without the user explicitly ordirectly accessing the social network (i.e. utilizing a computer,browser and Internet connection). For example, a social networkapplication stored or executed by the set-top box 120 may implement theuploads and downloads from the social networks or contacts. In oneembodiment, the illustrative embodiments may allow television viewingand social network to come together in a single real-time interface.

In one embodiment, the DVR may periodically check for new socialnetworking content associated with one or more registered users. The newcontent, entire pages, or postings may be stored to the DVR to duplicatethe user's standard interfaces on the applicable social network. Thecontent may be accessed by a user to off-line or online as selected bythe user. Similarly, the set-top box 120 may download viewinginformation for the user's contacts. For example, the viewinginformation may include media content currently being viewed,recommendations, highest rated content, historical viewing preferences,and other similar information. The viewing information may include linksthat tune the set-top box directly to the specified media content,download the media content, indicate a playback time available to theuser, or otherwise make available or provide information regarding themedia content.

The display 124 is a visual, audio, and/or tactile output device forcommunicating the media content to a user. For example, the display 124may be a television, radio, Braille pad, computer, monitor, projector,speakers, and other similar media interface devices. The display 124 andthe set-top box 120 may communicate through any number of interfaces,cables, or wired or wireless connections. Although the display 124 andassociated user interfaces are referred to in terms of viewing, thedisplay 124 may be enabled to interact with any of the users availablesenses.

The set-top box 120 may be connected to or communicate with one or moreservice providers, networks, connections, other users and communicationssystems, equipment and devices. The social network 104 may or may not beintegrated with the communications network 102. In one embodiment, thesocial network 104 is accessible to customers and users of thecommunications network 102 directly or to external users throughadditional connections or networks. The social network 104 is a websiteor network that focuses on building online or virtual communities ofpeople with a shared interest or activities thereby fosteringcommunication. The social network 104 may include websites, such asFacebook, MySpace, Twitter, Digg and any number of other social networksthat are privately or publicly available.

The various devices, systems and equipment of the communicationsenvironment 100 may be configured to communicate with the social network104 and/or the communications management system 106. As a result, a chatinterface of the set-top box 120 may allow chatting and othercommunications with and from a user of the set-top box based on input,feedback or interactions received from one or more contacts utilizingthe client 108, laptop 110, wireless devices 112 and 114 or set-topboxes 116 and 118. Similarly any number of other communications devicesmay access the social network 104 through a locally installedapplication, portal, webpage or other interface. As previouslydescribed, any of the communications devices of the communicationsenvironment 100 may include hardware, such as digital logic, chipsets,or applications that are configured to interface with the social network104 in order to perform the various processes and features hereindescribed. For example, the wireless device 112 may have a locallystored application that allows a user to initiate or receive chatcommunications with the user of the set-top box 120.

The set-top box 120 may be particularly suited for chat communicationsand discussion regarding media content because of the information anddetails that may be available through the set-top box. In oneembodiment, a channel may be associated with a social network, one ormore contacts, or other social networking elements for enabling chatcommunications when the user selects the corresponding channel. Forexample, the user may dedicate channel 118 to Facebook, channel 119 toTwitter, and channel 120 to Snow Skiers Anonymous. As a result, the usermay access a home page, wall, or chat interface specific to thedesignated social networking site by selecting to the pre-configuredchannel. In one embodiment, the application executed by the wirelessdevice 112 may require authentication, a password or other identifierbefore sending the command through the communications network 102,social network 104 and/or communications management system 106 to theset-top box 120.

In one embodiment, selections or communications by a contact may be sentdirectly from a device, such as the wireless device 114 to the set-topbox 120 with or without passing through the communications network 102.For example, the wireless device 114 may communicate directly with theset-top box 120 through a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cellular data signal tochat. As a result, the set-top box 120 may include one or moretransceivers operable to receive internet protocol (IP), wirelesscommunications, and other forms of communication.

In another embodiment, the contacts may provide input through theirrespective set-top boxes 116 and 118 in order to chat with the set-topbox 120 or send files, data, text, links, or other information. Forexample, utilizing a television and remote control linked with theset-top box 116, a contact may be able to enter a topic for discussionabout media content being displayed to both set-top boxes 116 and 120.The chat interface for the set-top box 120, in particular, and otherdevices of the communications environment 100 may be governed based onpre-set user preferences. The user preferences may include rules,permissions, stipulations, and other preferences that manage therespective device. Based on the user preferences established by the userof the set-top box 120 for the contact or specifically for users of theset-top box 116, the determination of whether a contact is authorized tochat or communicate with set-top box 120 may be determined by theset-top box 120 itself, the social network 104, or the communicationsmanagement system 106.

In one embodiment, the set-top box 120 may be operable to receive chatrequests even in a sleep, hibernation, or stand-by mode. As a result, inresponse to receiving a chat or chat request, the set-top box 120 maypower itself on (and additionally a display) and display a chatinterface to the contact. The display interface 122 is a controller forsending control signals to the display 124. In one embodiment, thedisplay interface 122 may be a Bluetooth remote control that commandsthe display to power on in response to receiving input from one or morecontacts to tune to a particular channel. In another embodiment, thedisplay interface may be an infrared remote control that may be utilizedto power on the display 124 and other equipment that may be required toview content on the display 124. For example, the display 124 may alsorequire a receiver, sound processing system or other equipment bepowered on to output media content to the display 124.

The display interface 122 may be configured to communicate with anynumber, type, configuration, and brand of media devices. The displayinterface 122 may be automatically programmable or may provide a userinterface on the display interface 122 itself or a graphical userinterface displayed to the set-top box 120 or display 124 that allows auser to specify the make, model, frequency and any other informationthat allows the display interface 122 to interact with the media system,which includes the display 124. The display interface 122 may also beconfigured to activate an integrated video camera for a video interfaceor increase or decrease the volume to a default or specified level. Inone embodiment, a user that is traveling may temporarily registerinformation with a set-top box in a hotel, office, or otheraccommodation enabling personal and work communications in a moreefficient manner.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a set-top box in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a set-topbox 200. The set-top box 200 is a particular implementation of theset-top box 120 of FIG. 1. The set-top box may include any number ofcomputing and telecommunications components, devices or elements, whichmay include busses, motherboards, circuits, ports, interfaces, cards,converters, adapters, connections, transceivers, displays, antennas, andother similar components. In one embodiment, the set-top box 200 mayinclude a processor 202, a memory 204, a network interface 206, DVRmodule 208, chat engine 210, contacts 212, contacts 214, 216, and 218,user preferences 220, activity trigger 221, and chat interface 222. Theset-top box 200 may communicate with a social network 224.

The elements of the set-top box 200 may be implemented entirely inhardware. In another embodiment, the chat engine 210 and other elementsmay be software modules that are stored in the memory 204 for executionby the processor 202. Alternatively, the set-top box 200 may be aspecialized computing and communications device including a combinationof hardware, software and firmware elements that perform the processes,features and other described elements of the illustrative embodiments.

The processor 202 is circuitry or logic enabled to control execution ofa set of instructions. The processor 202 may be microprocessors, digitalsignal processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC),central processing units, or other devices suitable for controlling anelectronic device including one or more hardware and software elements,executing software, instructions, programs, and applications, convertingand processing signals and information, and performing other relatedtasks. The processor 202 may be a single chip or may be integrated withother computing or communications elements.

The memory 204 is a hardware element, device, or recording mediaconfigured to store data for subsequent retrieval or access at a latertime. The memory 204 may be static or dynamic memory. The memory 204 mayinclude a hard disk, random access memory, cache, removable media drive,mass storage, or configuration suitable as storage for data,instructions, and information. In one embodiment, the memory 204 andprocessor 202 may be integrated. The memory 204 may use any type ofvolatile or non-volatile storage techniques and mediums. The memory 204may represent the PVR or DVR of the set-top box 200 storing mediacontent, viewing information, user preferences, and other data. Thememory 204 may be utilized to upload and download viewing information tomultiple social networks and associated contacts based on the userpreferences.

The set-top box 200 or the processor 202 may be a specialized computingand communications device programmed to perform the specific functionsherein described. More specifically, the set-top box 200 is speciallyprogrammed to perform the instructions as described for the subsequentlydescribed hardware or software elements. The network interface 206 is aninterface for communicating with a number of communications serviceproviders, networks, users, systems, devices, entities and otherparties. The network interface 206 may include any number of ports,communications lines or connections, or other elements. For example, thenetwork interface 206 may interact with a portal for communicating withcommunications networks and service providers to ensure that a dedicatedconnection is available for chatting through social networks and viewingmedia content. A portal may be a web site that functions as a centralpoint of access to information on the Internet or an intranet. Theportal may be accessed from any computing or communications system ordevice enabled to communicate through a network connection.

The DVR module 208 includes recording and scheduling elements forprocessing and recording media content, viewing information, text, anddata to the set-top box. For example, the DVR module 208 may include ahard disk memory, recording software, visual interface and other similarelements. In one embodiment, DVR utilization information and statisticsmay be communicated to one or more social networks. For example, inresponse to a user selecting to record movie shows those selections maybe communicated to contacts authorized to receive such information. Inanother embodiment, the DVR module 208 may archive a record or historyof all user or contact activities from the social networks. The historymay include a history of chats performed through the set-top box orthrough specified social networks.

The chat engine 210 is logic that manages communications with thecontacts 212 and other parties based on the user preferences. The chatengine 210 may manage control and display of the chat interface 222 tothe user. In one embodiment, the control logic may be digital logic, anapplication specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array(FPGA), or chipset operable to govern the user preferences 220 and allor portions of the set-top box 200.

In one embodiment, the chat engine 210 may include an interface forcontrolling a display connected to the set-top box 200 through wired orwireless connections. For example, the chat engine 210 may allow theset-top box 200 and the display to be activated in response to receivingan urgent chat.

The chat interface 222 is an interface for enabling chat communicationsor sessions with one or more contacts, social networks, parties,devices, or systems. For example, the chat interface may allow a user tocommunicate and receive information, files, notifications, data,updates, posts, status information, requests, indicators, details, andother information from the user. The chat interface 222 may be a userinterface that includes controls of the set-top box 200 as well as aninterface to a remote control or other communications device that may beutilized to control the set-top box 200.

The social network 224 is a particular implementation of the socialnetwork 104 of FIG. 1. The social network 224 represents one or moresocial networking sites that the user utilizes. In one embodiment, thechat engine 210 may allow the user to automatically or manually log into the social network 224 through the set-top box 200. For example, thechat engine 210 may register with the social network 224 utilizing ahardware or software key, such as a MAC address, IP address, set-top boxname or identifier, or other key. As a result, the set-top box 200 mayenable standard social networking communications.

The contacts 212 may include any number of contacts of the useravailable through different social networks. For example, contact 214may be a brother of the user available only through Facebook. Contact216 may be a group contact for following Red Sox games, news, films,press releases and other related comment that is available through bothTwitter and Yahoo Groups.

The activity trigger 221 is detection logic for detecting events,conditions, and factors occurring at the set-top box 200 or socialnetwork 224. In one embodiment, the activity trigger 221 may activatethe chat interface 222 for interfacing with a user. The activity trigger221 may be activated based on activity by the user, media contentactivity, or activity by any number of contacts. In one embodiment, theuser preferences 220 may store rules, logic, settings, and otherinformation for configuring the chat interface 222 and implementingchatting between the user and the contacts 212. For example, the userpreferences may set parameters, conditions, and other factors utilizedby the activity trigger 221.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for displaying a chat interface inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process of FIG. 3 may beimplemented by a set-top box connected to or in communication with adisplay, such as a television and one or more network connections. Theprocess may begin by granting access for a set-top box to interface withone or more social networks utilizing access information (step 302). Inone embodiment, a chat application or interface may be utilized tospecify the access information. The access information may includeaccount information associated with one or more users that may performcommunications originating from the set-top box. The access informationmay include one or more social networks, websites, groups or forums towhich the user subscribes or otherwise interacts to be associated withset-top box. The access information may also include user names,passwords, verification codes, hardware keys, software keys, or othersimilar elements.

Next, the set-top box establishes user preferences for one or morecontacts of the social network to send and receive information throughthe social networks and the set-top box (step 304). The user preferencesmay establish any number of preferences, permissions, rules, and logicfor governing chat communications originating from or received by theset-top box. The user preferences may include time of day preferencesthat specify when the user is and is not available to chat. The userpreferences may include status information allowing the user toestablish whether he or she is available to chat. The status informationmay also be linked with specific programming. For example, when watchingprogramming linked with the history channel, the user may set theset-top box to preclude chatting. The user preferences may alsoestablish viewing activity and information available to all or some ofthe contacts. Each individual contact, group, or social network may havespecific user preferences. For example, the set-top box may display auser interface that allows a user to utilize check boxes, indicators,fields, drop down lists, or other interactive elements to select theuser preferences.

Next, the set-top box detects an activity indicating new information isavailable (step 306). The activity may be media content selections bythe user or by one or more contacts of the user. In another embodiment,the activity may be open requests. For example, a contact in a groupdevoted to watching Red Sox games may have posted a request asking ifanyone wanted to watch the game at the same time. The request may beselected through a social networking site or the set-top box may utilizethe chat engine to determine the contacts intentions based on one ormore posts or updates through any of the social networks.

The set-top box determines whether the activity is associated with achat interface (step 308). In one embodiment the determination of step308 may be automatically performed based on the user preferences,historical actions or trends taken by the user, or based on logic. Forexample, the user preferences may specify that a chat interface isinitiated and displayed through the set-top box any time the brother ofthe user (that is also a contact) begins to watch a specified televisionprogram. The set-top box may also determine that almost every time theuser watches a specific reality television show she initiates chats withthree different parties, as a result, incoming chats from thoseindividuals may be automatically allowed or the chat interface may havesegments devoted to chatting with each of them collectively orindividually. If the activity is not associated with a chat interface,the set-top box returns to detect activity indicating new information isavailable (step 306).

If the activity is associated with a chat interface in step 308, theset-top box displays a chat interface for communicating with one or morecontacts through the one or more social networks (step 310). The chatinterface may utilize a separate pop-up window, dedicated channel,picture-in-picture, or dedicated portion of the screen. In oneembodiment, the picture size for the media content may be reduced,moved, or resized to accommodate the chat interface. For example, thechat interface may be semi-translucent so that the user may still watchthe media content while chatting with the specified contacts.

Next, the set-top box implements chat communications between the userand the one or more contacts through the chat interface (step 312). Thechat session may be implemented until terminated by either party orbased on other user input.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for implementing chats between aset-top box and one or more social networks in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The process of FIG. 4 may be implemented by aremote contact 402 and a set-top box 404. The remote contact 402 mayutilize a set-top box, wireless device, laptop, personal computer orother computing or communications device to chat and otherwisecommunicate with the set-top box 404. For example, the remote contact402 may represent a family member of the user of the set-top box 404that may be utilizing a cell phone and a corresponding Twitterapplication to chat with the user. Alternatively, the remote contact 402may represent a contact of the user utilizing a secondary set-top box tochat with the user through Facebook.

The process of FIG. 4 may begin with the remote contact 402 allowingmedia content selections to be communicated to the set-top box (step406). The remote contact 402 as well as the set-top box 404 may receiveuser preferences that indicate permission, rules and othercommunications factors that govern the chat feature and communicationsbetween the remote contact 402 and the set-top box 404. For example, theremote contact 402 may only allow family members to see media contentselections made by the user. The media content may be viewed or accessedon any number of wireless or wired devices as previously described.

Next, the set-top box 404 determines media content being watched by auser on the set-top box 404 and activity by one or more contacts onsocial networks (step 408). As previously described, the user of theset-top box 404 may have previously established user preferencesgoverning when media content selections may be shared with the remotecontact 402. The activity of step 408 may be media content selection bythe remote contact 402 based on authorization or permission asillustrated in step 406.

Next, the set-top box 404 reconciles media content between the remotecontact 402 and the set-top box 404 (step 410). The media content may bereconciled by determining whether the set-top box 404 and the remotecontact 402 has access to the media content being viewed by therespective party. During step 410, the set-top box 404 may communicatewith a content reconciler, such as a server. The content reconciler maybe available through a communications network or may access a local orremote database (in the set-top box) to determine the channel orfrequency the media content is available on and the time period in theevent the remote contact 402 and the set-top box 404 are served bydifferent content providers or are in different time zones. Thisapplication incorporates by reference utility application Ser. No.12/499,457, filed on Jul. 8, 2009 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MEDIACONTENT RECONCILER.

By reconciling the media content, both the set-top box 404, thecorresponding user, and the remote contact 402 may be able to determinewhether the media content being viewed by the respective parties isavailable and if so on what channel and at what time. For example, theset-top box 404 may display a list of favorite television programs thatare regularly viewed by the remote contact 402 as well as thecorresponding channels and times that those programs are accessiblethrough the set-top box 404 and corresponding media content providerutilized by the user. For example, during step 410 an interactive linkmay be displayed that when selected automatically tunes or changes thechannel to the media content being viewed by the remote contact 402.

Next, the set-top box 404 determines whether to chat with the remotecontact 402 (step 412). The determination of step 412 may be implementedbased on the activity determined or monitored in step 408. For example,in response to the remote contact 402 and the user watching the sameprogram simultaneously, the set-top box 404 may automatically determinethat the user may want to chat with the remote contact 402. In anotherembodiment the set-top box 404 may prompt the user to initiate or allowa chat session between the remote contact 402 and the set-top box 404.As a result, the set-top box 404 may initiate a chat communication ormay accept a request or initial message as part of a chat sessionautomatically or based on manual selections to allow the communicationat that time. If the set-top box 404 determines not to chat with theremote contact 402, the set-top box 404 determines media content beingwatched by a user on the set-top box and activity by one or morecontacts of social networks (step 408). If the set-top box 404determines to chat with the remote contact 402 during step 412, theset-top box 404 displays a chat interface for the user to communicatewith the remote contact 402 based on user preferences (step 414).

The chat interface may encompass all or a portion of the display incommunication with the set-top box 404. In one embodiment, the chatinterface may be implemented through the picture-in-picture feature of atelevision for allowing the user to chat while still watching theprimary media content. The user preferences may establish parameters forthe chat interface as well as implement any number of limitations orparameters. For example, an administrator of the set-top box 404 mayspecify that children users are not able to chat with other partiesunless they provide a password or are otherwise authenticated. As aresult, any number of user profiles may be utilized with the set-top box404 for interfacing with different social networks and maycorrespondingly have individual user preferences and be controlled byadministrative preferences by one or more administrators or managers ofthe set-top box 404.

Next, the set-top box 404 and the remote contact 402 implement chatting(step 416 and 418). During the chatting, the users may send text to oneanother, files, audio or video messages that may be received and orrecorded by the set-top box or a remote control, video camera,microphone system or other peripheral interfaces to the set-top box 404.

Next, the set-top box 404 archives media content viewing according touser preferences (step 420). The media content viewing preferences maybe stored locally or in a remote location for access by the user andcontacts associated with the user.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a chat interface in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. As previously described a chatinterface 500 may be a graphical user interface menu, or other interfacedisplayable to a television or other suitable display. A user mayinteract with the chat interface 500 through the use of an infrared,Bluetooth, WiFi, or RF television remote or a custom remote equippedwith specific communication options, such as a QWERTY keyboard. Theinterface may also be configured to respond to voice commands. The chatinterface 500 may allow users to view media content including televisionprograms, movies, and other content while offering the expandednetworking capabilities described herein. The graphical user interfacemay display any number of interactive elements including icons, fields,drop down menus, lists, check boxes, and other interactive elements. Thechat interface 500 may include sections 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512,514, and 516.

Section 502 may display the primary media content. For example, the usermay be watching a pay-per-view program that is being formatted fordisplay by the set-top box. All or portions of section 502 may beresized, split or altered to generate the sections 504, 506, 508, 510,512, 514, and 516.

Section 504 may display the status of the user according to userpreferences. A user may set status information to update automaticallyaccording to the current viewing selection. For example, a user may setsection 504 to detail the current programming selection the user isviewing. The user may also limit the number of friends or contacts thatreceive these status updates through the user preferences. A user mayset section 504 to be automatically sent only to those who are viewingthe same program or who have joined a certain viewing group or who havesimilar programming preferences, recorded as viewing statistics. Forexample, a user may join the group, “Fans of The Office,” and selectstatus information to be viewable to anyone with the same preferences,even those who have not been added as friends or contacts.

Section 504 may also be linked to DVR capabilities and send out statusupdates of DVR activity. For example, a user may set their status toautomatically display their most recent DVR recording, such as, “Johnjust recorded The Phantom of the Opera.” A user may also add a plannedviewing time for the recorded selection, “John recorded the Phantom andwill watch it Tuesday at 8.” As a result, a calendar of recording andwatching times may be available to one or more contacts. Additionally,the user may invite the contact to view the content simultaneouslythrough an informal invitation through a chat communication or throughan electronic invitation message. Section 504 may also be configured toautomatically display when a favorite program is being recorded andwatched. A user may also display part of their viewing preferences astheir status, “John is watching a recording of Heroes-viewed 44 times.”

Section 506 may be used to send and receive text chats. In oneembodiment, the chat interface may be automatically activated when auser logs on. In another embodiment, an affirmative selection may berequired to activate chat windows or partitions of the chat interface.The chat feature may also be configured to only display certain contactsor contacts associated with ongoing conditions or parameters of theset-top box. Possible examples may include only friends belonging to thegroup “college buddies,” or “Fans of 24,” or the chat interface may onlyallow chats with users simultaneously watching the same media content.Section 516 may allow the user to configure the chat interface to send aprompt to enter video conferencing when authorized contacts alsoactivate chat mode.

Section 508 may be used to display active user groups or add new groups.Section 508 may provide prompts for groups, forums, or sessions a usermay join that are automatically selected according to user preferences.For example, a viewing statistics of the user may show that the user isa fan of “The Office”, a local group may be entitled, “Fans of TheOffice in Texas,” and the user may receive a prompt to join this group.A user may also set users preferences to automatically join groups whenan invitation is received and/or send invitations to their friends tojoin the same group.

Section 510 may provide a wide range of advanced recording options. Auser may be able to record clips of media content (all or a portion)being viewed, assign titles, and post the media content for others toview. For example, the user or contacts may record sections of mediacontent allowed based on permissions or legal requirements of thecontent provider. Many content providers may allow such clipping as away of enabling buzz or Internet marketing to build. The portions ofmedia content may be posted to a social network or sent directly to oneor more contacts. The recording options of section 510 may also allow auser to specify programs or content to be recorded from a remotelocation on an associated home DVR. A user may display on a home page ofone or more social networks currently recorded content or a list ofupcoming recording selections. A user may also receive requests fromfriends of what content to record. For example, section 510 may indicatethat a viewing status indicates that a contact has viewed all episodesof season two of Lost except for episode five. The user mayautomatically be informed of the status when the desired episode isairing or the contact may manually send a request for the content to berecorded. The user may also create a group of friends for the purpose ofsharing DVR storage space. A user may configure security settings of theset-top box to allow a friend to select and record content on the DVR aswell as stream the media content to a designated device. A user may alsobe able to access DVRs of contacts to record content if the user's DVRcurrently has no storage space. Users may then use the chat interface tothe social network to access and view content recorded on multiple DVRs.A user may also use the DVR to store and access text messages, chats, orvoice messages.

Section 512 may display contacts that are online. Section 512 may alsodisplay friends and their current status and also what type of chat theyare signed in for. For example, a graphic could display that a friend isavailable for video chat and another may only be available for textchats. A user could also display if they were at home or accessing theirprofile from a remote location.

Section 514 may be used to view a plurality of content at once. Forexample, a user may be watching a movie but also want to view a footballgame that a contact is currently watching. The user may select apicture-in-picture mode or split the user interface 100 to viewdifferent media content simultaneously. Section 516 may be utilized by auser to receive prompts about incoming invitations, statistics, statusupdates, stored voice or text messages, pictures, and any otherinteractive content.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of a user interface 600 for settinguser preferences in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The userinterface 600 is one example of an interface for setting userpreferences, contacts, and permissions. The user interface 600 mayinclude sections 602, 604, and 606.

Section 602 may require a user to enter a username, account number,nickname, password, or other identifiers for authenticating the user.Section 604 may allow a user to specify chat permissions for variouscontacts. In one embodiment, the user may specify permissions for eachof a number of contacts available through any number of social networks.

Section 606 may further include user preferences controllingimplementation of the chat interface. In one embodiment, the userpreference may specify the configuration of the chat interface, whenactivated, restrictions on chatting, and other similar preferences.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have beenexplained in detail, it should be understood that various changes,substitutions, and alterations can be made to such embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as defined by thefollowing claims.

1. A method for chatting between a set-top box and one or more socialnetworks, the method comprising: associating one or more social networkswith a set-top box; setting user preferences for communications with oneor more contacts included in the one or more social networks; displayinga chat interface to a user on a display associated with the set-top boxin response to the user preferences; and communicating with the one ormore contacts using the chat interface.
 2. The method according to claim1, further comprising: logging the user on as one or more usersauthorized to utilize the set-top box.
 3. The method according to claim1, wherein the associating further comprises: receiving accountinformation for communicating through the social network via the set-topbox.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user preferencesestablish when, how, and what the one or more contacts are authorized tocommunicate with the user.
 5. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe chat interface is one or more chat windows.
 6. The method accordingto claim 5, wherein the one or more chat windows is a picture-in-picturewindow displayed to a display in communication with the set-top box. 7.The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving statusupdates from the one or more contacts indicating the media content eachof the one or more contacts is watching, wherein the displaying isperformed in response to activity detected by the set-top box, whereinthe activity is the user tuning to a channel.
 8. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the communicating is a status update of media contentbeing viewed by the user.
 9. The method according to claim 8, whereinthe communicating is performed based on the one or more contacts thathave an interest in the media content.
 10. The method according to claim1, wherein the chat interface for each of the one or more socialnetworks is activated by tuning the set-top box to a dedicated channel.11. A set-top box for chatting through a social network, the set-top boxcomprising: a network interface enabling a user to communicate with oneor more contacts through one or more social networks through acommunications connection; and a chat engine in communication with thenetwork interface, the chat engine operable to manage communicationswith the one or more contacts based on user preferences, the chat enginebeing operable to display a chat interface to the user.
 12. The set-topbox according to claim 11, wherein the chat interface for each of theone or more social networks is activated by tuning the set-top box to adedicated channel, the network interface establishes a dedicatedconnection to the one or more social networks.
 13. The set-top boxaccording to claim 11, further comprising: an activity trigger incommunication with the chat engine, the activity trigger operable toactivate the chat interface to display a communication from one of theone or more contacts.
 14. The set-top box according to claim 13, whereinthe activity trigger activates the set-top box and powers on a displayin communication with the set-top box.
 15. The set-top box according toclaim 11, wherein the user preferences specify a status established bythe user, time of day preferences that specify when the user isavailable to chat.
 16. The set-top box according to claim 15, whereinthe status is established in response to media content being displayedto a display by the set-top box.
 17. A set-top box comprising: aprocessor for executing a set of instructions; and a memory for storingthe set of instructions, wherein the set of instructions are configuredto: associate one or more social networks with a set-top box, set userpreferences for communications with one or more contacts included in theone or more social networks, display a chat interface to a user on adisplay associated with the set-top box in response to the userpreferences; and communicate with the one or more contacts using thechat interface.
 18. The set-top box according to claim 17, wherein thechat interface is semi-translucent and allows communications with aplurality of contacts simultaneously.
 19. The set-top box according toclaim 17, wherein the chat interface is displayed in response todetecting an event trigger, the chat interface for each of the one ormore social networks is activated by tuning the set-top box to adedicated channel.
 20. The set-top box according to claim 16, whereinthe set of instructions: permit communications through the chatinterface in response to a determination of the user utilizing theset-top box; wherein the user preferences establish when, how, and whatthe one or more contacts are authorized to communicate with the user.